Your stay — Eskal des Berges
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The Property — Eskal des Berges
A functional 3-star on the coast road in Saint-Benoit, Eskal des Berges feels like a calm stopover – clean, basic rooms with tiled floors and a small pool, favoured by hikers heading into the nearby forests. The lobby is quiet, with a reception desk and a few sofas, no fuss. It suits travellers who want a reliable base for exploring the east side of the island without paying for frills.
Chronicles of Saint-Benoit
Saint-Benoit was founded in the 18th century as a sugar and coffee plantation hub, its economy built on enslaved labour. The town centre retains colonial Creole houses with wide verandas, but much of its historic core was rebuilt after cyclones. Today it's a market town (famous for its Saturday market) and a gateway to the Cirque de Salazie and the volcanic plains of the east. Its identity remains rooted in agriculture – vanilla, lychee, and sugar cane – rather than tourism.
Best Time to Visit
Full Saint-Benoit guide →Best months
September to November – winter's end brings dry, calm days and lower humidity, ideal for hiking. Crowds thin as European winter holidays haven't started.
Peak / festival surge
July and August – European winter school holidays, so flights from France are packed. Hotel prices rise 20-30%. The main event is the Festival Liberté Métisse in late July (free concerts, but no impact on Saint-Benoit directly).
Budget shoulder season
May-June and September-October – discounted rates by 15-20%, still decent weather, fewer tourists on trails.
Weather & packing
The east coast is rainier than the west – July mornings are often overcast, afternoon sun breaks through. Pack a light waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes for muddy paths; no need for heavy winter layers as temperatures sit at 18-24°C.
Live City Briefing — Saint-Benoit
- The RN2 coastal road between Saint-Benoit and Sainte-Rose has intermittent single-lane closures due to cliff stabilisation work – allow extra 20 minutes for driving east.
- The new hiking path 'Trou de Fer 2.0' opened in late 2025, offering a shorter (4-hour) loop to the famous waterfall viewpoint; bookings can be made at the local ONF office.
- Several old vanilla plantations around Saint-Benoit now offer guided tours in English – check 'Vanille de L'Est' for walk-in visits daily except Sundays.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Eskal des Berges, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Ask for a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the courtyard (rear of the building). These offer a balance of quiet and breeze, with less street noise than lower floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms and any facing the street side (likely the Route Nationale along Saint-Benoit). The street-facing ones will catch traffic noise from the RN2, especially during commuter hours.
Best views
The best view is probably from the rear or side of the hotel — Saint-Benoit is inland, so you'll see tropical gardens or hills rather than sea. Request a room with a courtyard or mountain orientation.
Quietest floors
2nd and 3rd floors are the quietest — above ground-level bustle but not exposed to roof or lift machinery if any.
🔊 Noise notes
Saint-Benoit's RN2 runs through town – trucks and motorbikes can be loud, especially from 6-8am and 5-7pm. The hotel may also experience occasional church bells or market noise if near the centre.
Insider tips
1. Park at the back of the hotel if possible — it's quieter and shadier. 2. Request a room on the 2nd floor when booking, as lifts might be small (3-star standard) and you'll appreciate the short stair climb for peace.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Eskal des Berges
Free Wi-Fi throughout, about 15 Mbps down; no login constraints (open network, no password).
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
Free digital access to PressReader at lobby tablet; no physical newspapers delivered. Building is a modern concrete structure (opened 2018) with no historical quirks.
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 07:00 (no charge); late check-out until 13:00 for 30 EUR, subject to availability.
Free storage at reception on arrival or after check-out, no time limit but no locked room.
Step-free access from street via ramp; wheelchair-accessible entrance and lift to all rooms. One accessible room (No. 01) on ground floor with wider doors and roll-in shower.
Free on-site parking for 12 cars (first come, first served). Nearest public car park: Parking Municipal Saint-Benoit, 50 m away, free 24/7. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 1.10 EUR per person per night (Reunion tourist tax, applies to guests 18+)
Deposit & card hold: Full stay prepayment required at booking; 50 EUR refundable hold on a credit card for incidentals at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at Roland Garros Airport and tourist-heavy areas where margins are poor.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in supermarkets, hotels, and larger restaurants; small shops and market stalls prefer cash. Contactless is common for under €50.
Tipping is not expected; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated but not required.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A standard espresso or café noir in a local bar costs around €1.50.
A set lunch menu (rice, beans, rougail) in a working-class snack bar runs about €7–9.
A main course of carry or grilled sausages with rice in a simple local restaurant is around €8–12.
Bouchon vendors and food trucks near the marché or along Rue de la République sell samosas, bonbons piment, and brochettes for €2–5.
Leader Price and Score are the common budget supermarkets in Saint-Benoit.
The weekly market on Saturdays off the main square has second-hand and basic new clothing at low prices; otherwise head to shoppable strips on Rue Pasteur.
The cheapest way around is by local bus (Kar’Ouest/Kar’Est) at about €1.50 per ride; for longer stays, buy a rechargeable card. From the airport: take the Alizé bus 50 to Saint-Benoit (€2–3).
Use the free water fountains (fontaines) to refill bottles rather than buying plastic. Eat the daily lunch menu (formule déjeuner) rather than à la carte. Buy fruit and vegetables at the Saturday market for the week's groceries.
Emergency Contacts
Saint-BenoitWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Saint-Benoit, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Eskal des Berges
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
La Mandoze → Saint-Benoit town centre
💡 The bus stop 'La Mandoze' is 200m from the hotel. Buses run less after 15:00; check the orange timetable at the shelter.
Gare de Saint-Denis (connect from airport via shuttle) → Gare de Saint-Benoit (near La Mandoze)
💡 From the airport take the free shuttle (bus 2) to Gare de Saint-Denis, then board Car Jaune line A. Buy tickets at the station — exact change only.
Roland Garros Airport (RUN) → La Mandoze hotel, Saint-Benoit
💡 Fix the fare before you get in. Taxis from the rank are metered but flat rates apply to Saint-Benoit — confirm €60-70.
Gare de Saint-Benoit bus stop → La Mandoze hotel
💡 The walk from the bus station to La Mandoze is only 15 minutes downhill. Only grab a taxi if you have heavy luggage.
About Saint-Benoit
Wikipedia ↗
Saint-Benoît (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃ bənwa] ) is a commune in the French overseas department of Réunion, in the Indian Ocean. It is located on the eastern part of the island of Réunion, about 40 kilometres southeast of Saint-Denis, the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Eskal des Berges?
Ask for a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the courtyard (rear of the building). These offer a balance of quiet and breeze, with less street noise than lower floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at Eskal des Berges?
Avoid ground-floor rooms and any facing the street side (likely the Route Nationale along Saint-Benoit). The street-facing ones will catch traffic noise from the RN2, especially during commuter hours.
Is Eskal des Berges noisy?
Saint-Benoit's RN2 runs through town – trucks and motorbikes can be loud, especially from 6-8am and 5-7pm. The hotel may also experience occasional church bells or market noise if near the centre.
Which rooms have the best views at Eskal des Berges?
The best view is probably from the rear or side of the hotel — Saint-Benoit is inland, so you'll see tropical gardens or hills rather than sea. Request a room with a courtyard or mountain orientation.
What are insider tips for staying at Eskal des Berges?
1. Park at the back of the hotel if possible — it's quieter and shadier. 2. Request a room on the 2nd floor when booking, as lifts might be small (3-star standard) and you'll appreciate the short stair climb for peace.
What time is check-in at Eskal des Berges?
Check-in at Eskal des Berges is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Eskal des Berges have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, about 15 Mbps down; no login constraints (open network, no password).
Is there a city or tourist tax at Eskal des Berges?
1.10 EUR per person per night (Reunion tourist tax, applies to guests 18+)
Where can I eat cheaply near Eskal des Berges?
A set lunch menu (rice, beans, rougail) in a working-class snack bar runs about €7–9.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Eskal des Berges?
The cheapest way around is by local bus (Kar’Ouest/Kar’Est) at about €1.50 per ride; for longer stays, buy a rechargeable card. From the airport: take the Alizé bus 50 to Saint-Benoit (€2–3).
When is the best time to visit Saint-Benoit?
September to November – winter's end brings dry, calm days and lower humidity, ideal for hiking. Crowds thin as European winter holidays haven't started.
Top Attractions in Saint-Benoit
💡 Check for Sunday mass at 9am if you want to hear the Creole hymns. The interior is most impressive in late afternoon when sunlight streams through the coloured glass.
💡 Come on Saturday morning for the biggest selection. Bring cash—many vendors don't take cards. Try the lychees if they're in season.
💡 Go early in the morning to see the local birdlife and avoid the midday heat. Bring your own snacks as there are no cafes inside.
💡 Wear closed shoes—the path can be rocky. No water sources, so carry your own. Best done in the dry season (May to October) to avoid slippery sections.
💡 Visit at sunset for the best photos and to spot flying foxes (fruit bats) coming out at dusk. Bring a windbreaker as it gets breezy.